GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The annual event of the Marine Corps acting on behalf of Santa Claus, distributed toys and smiles to hundreds of Greenbrier County children over the weekend. From Beckley to Lewisburg and across the entire United States, this seasonal joy can be the sole reason a needy family will have gifts under their trees at Christmastime. In Greenbrier County, families were greeted by The Patriots Motorcycle Clubs, Marines, veterans and children at the National Guard Armory in Lewisburg.
A simple act of kindness sparked the creation of Toys for Tots. In 1947, Diane Hendricks’ desire to donate a toy to a child in need inspired her husband, Marine Major Bill Hendricks, to organize a local toy drive in Los Angeles. The success of this effort, which involved fellow Marines and collected thousands of toys, resulted in the establishment of Toys for Tots as a national program the following year.
The Patriots Motorcycle Club members were there helping to hand out toys and organize the event. According to the club’s website, The Patriots “are a good balance of a social/fun riding club, and a non-for-profit club that does many benefits for the unfortunate, the wounded, the deceased, and those left behind. It is the goal and general philosophy of the PMC to promote Brotherhood amongst our ranks and look to our founding fathers for direction.”
The West Virginia Patriots Club charter goes back to the devastation of the flood of 2016 when current President Bob Johnson and VP Dr. Shawn Johnson, realized the needs of fellow West Virginians left in the wake of chaos. Immediately they recognized an opportunity to give back even more, as if fighting for the nation wasn’t enough. The giving spirit of a veteran is bar none, unreachable at best. Since that date, the club has given over $90,000 back to their community in fundraising for various causes, scholarships and more. Each year 8 scholarships are given to Greenbrier County high school students; four at East and four at West. They also provide Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the needy, a toy drive of their own and many other meaningful charity events.
The club now has 70 members, including local folks Ken and Susan Johnson, Barry and Anita Crance, Raymond and Donna Johnson, and Alan Morris. Morris is the communications director and a resident of Lewisburg. He was hands-on as he donned his Santa cap to hand out toys throughout the county. Morris was kind enough to take a moment out of his busy schedule to speak about this incredible institution.
For more information on how you can join or support them, find them on Facebook @Patriots Motorcycle Club. New members are welcome and contributions and support are appreciated. Send them a message to learn more.
